United in opposition to liberalisation of abortion law

Religious groups and pro-life organisations have formed a new coalition to oppose any liberalisation of abortion law in Scotland.

The new group, called Don’t Stop a Beating Heart, has the support of the Scottish Catholic Church, and has been formed as the Scottish Parliament prepares to take control of the issue later this year.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the current time limit on abortion won’t be changed but pro-abortion campaigners have urged MSPs to consider a number of measures to ease access to abortion.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has given his support.

“I wholeheartedly support the aims of the Don’t Stop a Beating Heart campaign to defend and protect unborn human life and to call legislators not to further extend abortion time limits,” the Archbishop of Glasgow (above) said.

The group has been coordinated by Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child Scotland.

“The rights of the unborn child are facing new threats with the impending devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament from Westminster,” SPUC Scotland director John Deighan said.

“Already, well in advance of the transfer of legislative authority, we are hearing a clamour for further extension of the existing excessively liberal law. This could see abortion legalised from the existing 24-week limit, in most cases, up until the point of birth. “In response to these deeply disconcerting demands, pro-life supporters from different backgrounds, people of faith and none, in addition to concerned organisations and individuals have decided that we must stand together in the face of this onslaught.”

Rev David Robertson, Free Church of Scotland Moderator, said the church was happy to join an alliance. Also on board is the Muslim Council of Scotland, the Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline, Christian charity Care and Cardinal Winning’s Prolife Initiative.